Meet the Team

John WyerChief Executive

John has more than 25 years’ professional experience and is a widely published and respected designer, lecturing on his work both in the UK and abroad. He has designed hundreds of landscape projects over the years, many of which have won awards, ranging from private gardens to large scale development projects.
Having graduated with a Landscape Architecture Degree from Manchester Metropolitan University in 1983, John became a Member of the Landscape Institute in 1990 and was recognised as a Fellow of the Society of Garden Designers in 2011, having serving on its Council from 2004-2010.
John formed the company Bowles & Wyer together with Chris Bowles in 1993 and continues to take a lead role in design, client liaison and the planning process.
John writes a widely-read monthly blog that explores his insights into the design process, ponders on the roles of landscape and maintenance, and relates his adventures with cycling and swimming ponds.

Matthew MaynardOperations Director

Matthew graduated from Merrist Wood in 1990 and gained national recognition working with a market leader, before joining the group’s construction only arm, Bowles & Wyer Contracts Ltd in 2006. He has over 20 years’ industry experience working on private and commercial construction projects in the UK and abroad.
Matthew’s expertise lies in competitive pricing and management of sizeable landscape maintenance portfolios for blue chip companies, high profile local authorities and private estates. Click here to go to Bowles & Wyer Contracts separate web site.

Vicky WyerSenior Landscape Architect

Vicky graduated with an Honours Degree and Postgraduate Diploma in Landscape Architecture with Distinction from Manchester Metropolitan University in 1984, and became a member of the Landscape Institute in 1986.
She is married to John and had a successful career in landscape private practice before joining Bowles and Wyer at its inception.
Vicky’s particular expertise is in larger projects, urban design and strategic landscape planning, but she is equally at home designing courtyards and roof gardens. She has the skills to deliver a scheme that satisfies a client’s commercial brief without losing sight of inspired design solutions.

Jeff StephensonHead of Horticulture and Aftercare

Jeff Stephenson has been Head of Horticulture & Aftercare at Bowles & Wyer for over 11 years.
Having started his horticultural career at the renowned Capel Manor College in North London studying Horticulture and Countryside Management, he went on to study the Kew Diploma in Horticulture at R.B.G Kew, graduating in 1993 with Honours and winning the ‘Best overall performance’ award.
Jeff joined Bowles & Wyer in 1996 where he is now responsible for over 70 projects ranging from small roof terraces to large country gardens, public squares and large commercial green spaces. With 29 years experience in soft landscaping and gardening & aftercare, he has acquired an extensive knowledge of all aspects of plant and garden maintenance.

Jonathan WoolfendenLandscape Architect

Jonathan graduated from Manchester Met University in 2007 and joined Bowles & Wyer in 2015 after gaining experience in both project management and design. He specialises in coordinating technical design packages across a range of projects, organising the resources and output as necessary. His widespread project experience as well as technical skills ensure that projects are meticulously conceived and detailed.

Mandy JonesOffice and Administration Manager

Mandy Jones is the hub of Bowles & Wyer – she runs the office and administration. Since she joined B&W in 2006, she has got to know how everything works and makes sure that things move smoothly forward. If you have any problems or can't get hold of who you need at B&W, Mandy is your first point of call.

Sam CampbellEstimator

Sam graduated from Writtle College in 2008 with a degree in Horticulture and spent the following years gaining valuable experience in hands on maintenance and landscaping in both the UK and Italy. After returning to the UK and developing an understanding of running a small landscaping firm Sam joined Bowles and Wyer in 2016 as an Estimator and has sat in the corner ever since!

Dene HaknerContracts Manager

Dene Graduated with a Degree in 2004 and developed a passion for Landscape Construction whilst studying, starting his own design and build company upon leaving. Dene worked with a number of Landscape industry leaders before joining Bowles & Wyer's team in 2016 as Contracts Manager. Dene takes a detailed interest in ensuring Projects run smoothly and works closely with the site teams, has managed our BALI Award winning Victoria Roof Garden, as well as helping to ensure a Gold Medal with our 2017 Chelsea Flower Show Build.

Dan RiddlestonManaging Director

Dan joined Bowles & Wyer Contracts Ltd, the landscape construction arm of the business, in 2006.
With a background in hard and soft landscape construction, Dan has been involved in numerous medal-winning Chelsea gardens and award-winning commercial landscapes.
Dan’s client portfolio covers private clients, government bodies and commercial organisations and his expertise covers a number of areas including landscape restoration, town & country gardens and commercial projects. Click here to go to Bowles & Wyer Contracts separate web site.

James SmithDesign Director

James graduated with a first class Honours Degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Landscape Architecture from the University of Gloucestershire in 2005 and joined Bowles & Wyer the same year. In 2011 he gained Chartered Landscape Architect status.
James’ work for the company has included gardens, roof gardens and larger projects, including responsibility for the design of the company's BALI Grand Award-winning scheme in December 2010 (a private garden in Surrey >>).
James specialises in running jobs in a multi-disciplinary environment and has the ability to consider the big picture whilst having a keen an eye for detail.

Stuart WallaceSpecial Projects Director

Stuart graduated with a Degree in Garden Design from Writtle College in 1999 and joined Bowles & Wyer a year later.
Stuart’s specialist area is planting design and he has exceptionally good links within the nursery industry. He is responsible for most of our soft landscape schemes and takes a design from initial client liaison and planting concept to detailed design and sourcing, supervising the finished scheme on site. He has an extremely good reputation in the industry and is part of the horticultural heart of Bowles & Wyer.

Mark LatchfordDesigner

Mark achieved a distinction from the acclaimed Pickard School of Garden Design studying at the Garden Museum in Westminster in 2010. Mark joined Bowles & Wyer in 2017 from Cool Gardens where he was Design Director. He has demonstrated drive, creativity and an ability to learn a wide range of skills across a variety of projects. His design style is creative and striking, with an approach to design and project management that is grounded from a deep practical knowledge and extensive onsite experience.

Katie Blake Director of Finance, HR and Administration

With 20 years’ experience as a qualified ACCA accountant, and several years working for Blue Chip companies and SMEs, Katie brings a wealth of strategic financial knowledge and Human Resources expertise to Bowles & Wyer. Her previous roles include Finance Director at Hunters and Finance Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Jason LockHead of Design & Build

Jason has over 30 years’ experience in the garden design industry including time spent as chief executive and chair of the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) and on the council of the Society of Garden Designers (SGD). He has been on the judging panel of a number of national award schemes, including currently serving as a judge on the BALI Awards, and has won numerous awards himself including Gold and Silver-Gilt medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Jason’s knowledge and expertise in design-led project management and his talent for building and maintaining client relationships a key to the success of our full service delivery.

Emily KayeJunior Garden Designer

After graduating in International Relations and German, Emily moved on to the KLC School of Design to pursue her passion for gardens, graduating with a Distinction in Garden Design and winning the student award for Plants and Planting. Before joining Bowles and Wyer in early 2018, Emily worked as a volunteer at Great Dixter, under the tutelage of Fergus Garrett, being inspired by this atmospheric and picturesque garden. Her roles at B&W include design, graphics and detailing of gardens and roof terraces.